Schoolly D, born Jesse B. Weaver Jr. on June 22, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is heralded as one of the pioneers of hardcore and gangsta rap. Emerging from the burgeoning Philadelphia hip hop scene in the mid-1980s, Schoolly D gained recognition for his unfiltered narratives that knit tales of urban life over gritty, funk-infused beats. His self-titled debut album in 1985 set the stage for a storied career, featuring tracks like "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?" which is often credited as one of the first gangsta rap songs, influencing artists such as Ice-T and N.W.A.

Throughout his career, Schoolly D has released a stream of albums that have solidified his place as a significant influence in the rap genre. His discography is diverse, including albums like "Smoke Some Kill" (1988) and "Am I Black Enough for You?" (1989), which continued to push the boundaries of rap music with socially conscious themes and forceful beats. In addition to his musical contributions, Schoolly D has also left his mark as a multimedia artist, with his work in film and television—most notably for composing the theme song for the cult animated series "Aqua Teen Hunger Force." His latest releases such as "Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Main Theme - Remix)" and "The Essential Schoolly D" showcase his enduring presence and influence in the hip hop community.

Genres

East Coast Hip Hop

Gangster Rap

Golden Age Hip Hop

Old School Hip Hop

Philly Rap

Latest Release

Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Main Theme - Remix) [from "Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Season 12"]

Schoolly D

Single - Released November 26, 2023